When you hear a room full of children singing, clapping, and laughing together, it might just sound like fun. And it is! But those simple songs, rhymes, and stories are also helping young children build important skills that support their development.
That's one of the reasons programs like Parent-Child Mother Goose have been enjoyed by families across Canada for decades.
At HSCA, we're excited to partner with Carya to offer Mini Mother Goose & Drop-In Play this summer. As we prepare to welcome families, we thought we'd share a few reasons why these programs are so much more than a morning of songs and stories.
Building Early Language Skills
Long before children learn to read, they begin learning language through listening, repeating sounds, and interacting with the people around them.
Songs, rhymes, and stories introduce children to new vocabulary, speech patterns, and sounds. Research has found that children participating in Parent-Child Mother Goose programs demonstrated improvements in expressive language skills, helping them build confidence in communication and self-expression.
Strengthening Parent-Child Connections
Some of the most meaningful learning moments happen during everyday interactions.
Singing together, sharing a story, or participating in a rhyme creates opportunities for connection, eye contact, and shared experiences. Research on Parent-Child Mother Goose has found positive impacts on parent-child attachment and relationships, while many caregivers report feeling more confident in their parenting after participating.
Supporting Social and Emotional Development
Programs like Mother Goose also help children and caregivers connect with others.
For young children, group activities provide opportunities to observe, participate, and develop social skills in a welcoming environment. For caregivers, they offer a chance to meet other families, share experiences, and build community connections.
Research has shown that participants often report feeling less isolated and more supported through their involvement in Mother Goose programs.
Learning Through Play
Children learn best when they're engaged and having fun.
Movement, music, storytelling, and repetition all help support memory, listening skills, coordination, and early literacy development. Best of all, children don't see it as learning. They're simply enjoying time with the people around them.
Join Us This Summer
We're THRILLED to partner with Carya to bring Mini Mother Goose & Drop-In Play to HSCA.
Parents, caregivers, and children ages 0–6 are invited to enjoy free play, songs, stories, and connection in a welcoming community space.
📅 Fridays: July 10, July 24, August 7 & August 21
🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m.
📍 HSCA North Social Hall (1320 5 Avenue NW)
💲 Free to Attend
✔ No Registration Required
Whether you're looking to connect with other families, enjoy quality time with your child, or just try something new this summer, we'd love to welcome you!!
Learn More
Curious about the research behind Parent-Child Mother Goose? Explore these resources to learn more about the benefits of songs, rhymes, storytelling, and parent-child connection:
• Parent-Child Mother Goose Program – Research & Resources
• Terrett, White & Spreckley (2013), Journal of Early Childhood Research
• Scharfe (2011), Child Welfare
• Mother Goose NL – Research Library